Lifting devices

ABSTRACT

A jig for combination with a lifting means, the jig comprising a frame, a plurality of assemblies mounted on the frame at spaced positions, first shafts journalled in pairs of the assemblies, second shafts journalled in such pairs of assemblies, a third shaft geared to the second shafts, lift arms mounted on the first shafts and adapted for connection to a lifting means, control and controlled members mounted on the second shafts for operative engagement with the respective lift arms and actuating levers pivoted to the particular lift arms for operating the control members, the construction and arrangement being such that on the lift arms being connected to a lift means and a lifting force exerted by such means, the levers actuate the control members to hold the lift arms at an article lifting position or when the lifting force is released, the lift arms are allowed to move to an article release position.

United States Patent 15 3,695,667 Dempsey 51 Oct. 3, 1972 [54] LIFTINGDEVICES 3,273,931 9/1966 Caldwell et al ..294/81 [72] Inventor: GordonDempsey, Auckland, New

Zealand Primary Examiner-Even C. Blunk i As I [731 Assignees: FrederickGeorge Ullrich; Zeola 8mm" Examiner Johnny!) Cherry [22] Flled: 1970 Ajig for combination with a lifting means, the jig [21] Appl. No.: 68,159comprising a frame, a plurality of assemblies mounted on the frame atspaced positions, first shafts journalled 30 F I in pairs of theassemblies, second shafts journalled in 1 Apphcauon Priority Data suchpairs of assemblies, a third shaft geared to the June 16, 1970 NewZealand 160,505 second shafts, lift arms mounted on the first shafts andadapted for connection to a lifting means, control and 294/67 9 SFcontrolled members mounted on the second shafts for [5 CL"; ..B66coperative engagement the respective arms and [58] F'eld Search 67 67 DA,actuating levers pivoted to the particular lift arms for 294/86, 101,106, 108, 109, 112, 113, 11 perating the control members, theconstruction and 117 arrangement being such that on the lift arms beingconnected to a lift means and a lifting force exerted by [5 6]References cued such means, the levers actuate the control members to NISTATES PATENTS hold the lift arms at an article lifting position or whenthe lifting force is released, the lift arms are allowed to 2,618,502Ill 1952 Breslav ..294/67 DA move to-an article release position.1,764,623 6/1930 Grondahl ..294/106 2,198,652 4/1940 Cullen et a1...294/67 BC 7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures L i i 45 f "'i 4 46 124 48 :45al --41 1.1\ m4! 27 (q; a 40 I I I 0 o 29 32 a 33 12 14 12 as 34 30 2930 31 31 Edna Ullrich, Christchusch, New Zealand Attorney-Young &Thompson ABSTRACT LIFTING DEVICES This invention relates to devicesdesigned for use in the lifting of various articles.

A conventional lifting device is in the nature of a grab essentiallycomprising two jaws pivotally connected together and means such as ahydraulic ram, combined with the jaws for their operation. Theefficiency of this grab device is of course determined by the effectivewidth or throw to which the jaws can open relatively to another. Adisadvantage is that with an article of some length and width the grabbecomes ineffective. Y

The present invention is concerned with a novel form of device that byreason of its construction may be employed with conventional shackles tolift an article not normally otherwise capable of lift unless two grabsor devices are employed.

Broadly the invention consists of a jig for combination with liftingmeans comprising a frame, a plurality of assemblies mounted on the frameat spaced positions, first shafts journalled in pairs of the assemblies,second shafts journalled in such pairs of assemblies, a third shaftgeared to the second shafts, lift arm mounted on the first shafts andadapted for connection to a lifting means, control and controlledmembers mounted on the second shafts for operative engagement with therespective lift arms, and actuatinglevers pivoted to the particular liftarms for operating the control members, the construction and arrangementbeing such that on the lift arms being connected to a lift means and alifting force exerted by such means, the levers actuate the controlmembers to hold the lift arms at an article lifting position or when thelifting force is released, the lift arms are allowed to move to anarticle release position.

In further describing the construction and function of the invention,reference will be made hereinafter to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a side view,

FIG. 2 is a top plan view,

FIG. 3 is an end view,

FIG. 4 is a side view of a typical assembly for operating one of thelift arms, and

FIG. 5 is a side view of one of the pawl and ratchet operating means foran associated lift arm.

In giving effect to the invention the main frame 10 is in the nature ofa rectangular four sided figure in plan and comprises two end U-frames11 preferably formed from lengths of box-section steel. Each U-frame 11has two longer arms 12 welded to the base of the U. These two U-frames11 are arranged in opposition to one another and have provision wherebythey are adjustably secured together lengthwise. Suitably this can beeffected by securing into the outer end of the arms 12 of one U-frame 11a metal insert 14 of a cross-sectional shape and size so as to becapable of sliding into the outer end of the arms of the opposedU-frame. The metal inserts 14 are secured by cross-pins externallywelded to the arms 12 of the respective U-frame-l 1. To the inner sideof these arms 12 is also welded a metal stud 15 having one end bent andthe opposed arm of the other U-frame has a metal sleeve 16 welded to it.The other end of the stud 15 passes through this sleeve 16 and a nut isscrewed onto the stud at each side of the sleeve. By such means thelength of the main frame 10 may be varied.

Each end member 13 of this frame 10 has a vertical face plate 17 weldedto it at each end for the plates to be in alignment. A guide 18 isbolted to each face plate 17 and can have its bottom edge turnedoutwards slightly, the bolts also securing a carrier unit or assembly19. The assembly includes a main vertical mounting plate 20 having afirst bearing 21, a side bracket 22, a second bearing 23 passing throughthe plates 20, a side bracket 23, an interposed sleeve 24 aligned withthe axis of the second bearings for the axes of the bearing 21 and 23 tobe disposed in parallel. A further carrier unit or. assembly is formedsimilar to the first, but additionally the side bracket 22 carriers anextension 25 having a third bearing 26, the axis of which is disposed atright anglesto the axes of the other two bearings. There are providedtwo of the first carrier assembly, each opposite handed to one anotherand two of the second carrier assembly, each opposite handed to oneanother. The carrier assemblies 19 are mounted at one side of the mainframe 10 (hereinafter termed the drive side) at opposite ends of suchframe and the further. carrier assemblies are mounted at the other sideof the main frame (hereinafter termed driven side). The variousassemblies are positioned so that the first and second bearings 21 and23 of the assemblies at each end of the main frame respectively align,and the third bearing 26 of each assembly at the drive side of the mainframe align.

Stub axles 27 are passed through the first bearings 21 of the respectiveassemblies 19 at each end of the main frame, which axles are inserted inthe ends of a cross tube 28 and pinned thereto. Outer ends of theseaxles pass through holes in and are externally welded to the lift andhook arms 29. There are two pairs of the hook arms, each pair beingopposite'handed. Each hook arm 29 has a depending part 30.ending in ahook 31 and a shoulder part 32 with the hole for its axle 27 beingpositioned in the upper portion of the junction of such parts. Theshoulder part 32 includes an upwardly cranked end 33 which is adaptedfor connection to the conventional lift means, such as by a hole havinga diameter to suit a lift shackle. Each hook arm 29 has a pin 34positioned in the lower portion of its crank and extending from theinner side of the arm.

Other stub axles 35 are passed through the second bearing 23 of theassemblies 19 at each end of the main frame 10 which axles 35 areinserted in the ends of a second cross tube36 and pinned thereto. Outerends of these axles '35 pass through holes in and are externally weldedto the control and controlled members shortly referred to. At the driveside of the main frame 10 each of the axles 35 carries a bevel gear 37.

Further stub axles 38 are passed through the third bearing 26 of theassemblies at the drive side, which axles 38 are inserted in the ends ofa third tube 39 and pinned thereto. Each axle 38 carries a bevel gear 40that is arranged to be in mesh with the bevel gear 37 at that end ofdrive side of the device. Hand wheels 41 can be mounted near the ends ofthe tube 39 and welded thereto.

Each control and controlled member consists of a triangular-shaped block42 positioned so that one of its sides or pointsmay engage and besupported by the upper edge of the shoulder part 32 of the particularhookarm 29, that is the edge extending between the first holes and theside pin 34 of such arm. Each drive projecting from the outer side ofthe particularassembly 19. This pin 47 is positioned between the firstand second bearings 21 and 23 of the assembly for the pawl 46 to becapable of engaging a tooth of the ratchet 44 of the particular driveside member or block 42.

As already explained the device is designed especially for use in thelifting of elongate structures. In this connection the jig isoperatively combined with a means in the nature of an overhead crane, afork hoist,

etc., pins of spring-cushioned cable-suspended assem- I blies 48 arepassed through the holes in the ends 33 of the hook arms 29. Thearrangement can thus be positioned and operated from a variety ofpoints, to automatically pick up and release.

In use the hook arms 29 have two positions, load engaged and loaddisengaged. The hooks arms 29 are synchronized by the shafts 35 36 andthe right-angle gears 37 and 40. The hook arms 29 can be positioned tolock against-the article to be lifted, for instance wire mesh panel. Onoperation of the lifting means 48 to raise the panel, the application ofload imposes an action causing the hook arms 29'at the drive side of theframe 10 to turn on the stub axles 27. This in turn causes actuatinglevers 44 to pull against the sixtoothed ratchets 43 turning the latterone-sixth partial rotation, the pawls 46 hold the ratchets 43 againstany back movement. The drive movement is simultaneously transferred tothe hook arms 29 and other parts at the driven side of the devicethrough the cross shafts 28 and 36, the drive side shaft 39 ensuringunison between the drive side mechanisms.

Upon loading a flat side of each of the four triangular blocks 42engages the upper edge of the hook arms 29 ensuring locking of such armsagainst any movement during the lifting of the panel or panels.

After the panel or panels have been transferred to the required placeand lowered to the floor, truck or stack, the load or lifting forceceases and then on disengagement the weight is off, gravity and somespring loading causes each ratchet 43 and its fixed triangular block 42to move forward one-sixth of a rotation..This has the effect of allowingthe associated hook arm 29 to move back outwards from the center of themain frame 10. The device can then be lifted away empty ready to liftanother load and the lifting operation repeated. The handwheels 41 areprovided on the shaft 39.

What is claimed is:

1. A jig for combination with a lifting means, the jig comprisingaframe, a plurality of assemblies mounted on the frame at spacedpositions, first shafts journalled in pairs of the assemblies, secondshafis journalled in such pairs of assemblies, a third shaft geared tothe second shafts, lift arms mounted on the first shafts and adaptedforconnection. to a lifting means, control and controlled members mountedon thesecond shafts for operative engagement with the respective liftarms, and ififilllli oi lli filflsl fi c ilill $23fiiii2 atriangular-shaped block-with a ratchet affixed to one side of the block,the block having a number of operative points equal to the number ofteeth forming the ratchet and the actuating levers being pivoted to thelift arms with a hooked end of the levers engaging a tooth of theratchet upon lifting action of the lift arm, and each controlled membercomprising a similar triangulat-shaped block, whereby upon the lift armsbeing connectedto a lift means and a lifting force exerted by suchmeans, the levers actuate the control members to hold the lift arms atan article-lifting position or when the lifting force is released, thelift arms move to an article-release position.

2. A jig as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame is rectangular-shapedin plan.

3 A jig as claimed in claim 1 wherein the third shaft 5 is geared tothesecond shafts through bevel gears mounted on the shafts.

4. A jig as claimed in claim 1 wherein each lift arm has a dependingpart ending in a lift hook, a shoulder part, the respective end of thefirst shaft attached to the arm at a position between its said parts, anupwardly cranked end of the shoulder part having a hole for mounting apin of a shackle of the lifting means, and a side pin positioned at thecrank of the said end.

5. A jig as claimed in claim 4 wherein the control and controlledmembers are mounted on the second shafts for the periphery of aparticular member to be located above an upper edge of the shoulder partof the particular lift arm.

6. A jig as claimed in claim 1 and further including a pawl pivoted tothe particular assembly and positioned so as to engage a tooth of theparticular ratchet in a tooth movement of the ratchet to hold the latteragainst contramovement.

7. A jig as claimed in claim 1 wherein the operative points of eachtriangular-shaped block is comprised by its three sides and threecomers, a side engaging the upper edge of the shoulder part of the liftarm is at its article engaging position, or a point engaging such edgewhen the arm is at its article release position.

Y a: a a a: g

1. A jig for combination with a lifting means, the jig comprising aframe, a plurality of assemblies mounted on the frame at spacedpositions, first shafts journalled in pairs of the assemblies, secondshafts journalled in such pairs of assemblies, a third shaft geared tothe second shafts, lift arms mounted on the first shafts and adapted forconnection to a lifting means, control and controlled members mounted onthe second shafts for operative engagement with the respective liftarms, and actuating levers pivoted to the lift arms for operating thecontrol members, each control member comprising a triangularshaped blockwith a ratchet affixed to one side of the block, the block having anumber of operative points equal to the number of teeth forming theratchet and the actuating levers being pivoted to the lift arms with ahooked end of the levers engaging a tooth of the ratchet upon liftingaction of the lift arm, and each controlled member comprising a similartriangular-shaped block, whereby upon the lift arms being connected to alift means and a lifting force exerted by such means, the levers actuatethe control members to hold the lift arms at an article-lifting positionor when the lifting force is released, the lift arms move to anarticle-release position.
 2. A jig as claimed in claim 1 wherein theframe is rectangular-shaped in plan.
 3. A jig as claimed in claim 1wherein the third shaft is geared to the second shafts through bevelgears mounted on the shafts.
 4. A jig as claimed in claim 1 wherein eachlift arm has a depending part ending in a lift hook, a shoulder part,the respective end of the first shaft attached to the arm at a positionbetween its said parts, an upwardly cranked end of the shoulder parthaving a hole for mounting a pin of a shackle of the lifting means, anda side pin positioned at the crank of the said end.
 5. A jig as claimedin claim 4 wherein the control and controlled members are mounted on thesecond shafts for the periphery of a particular member to be locatedabove an upper edge of the shoulder part of the particular lift arm. 6.A jig as claimed in claim 1 and further including a pawl pivoted to theparticular assembly and positioned so as to engage a tooth of theparticular ratchet in a tooth movement of the ratchet to hold the latteragainst contramovement.
 7. A jig as claimed in claim 1 wherein theoperative points of each triangular-shaped block is comprised by itsthree sides and three corners, a side engaging the upper edge of theshoulder part of the lift arm is at its article engaging position, or apoint engaging such edge when the arm is at its article releaseposition.